Where in the World Is Happiness?

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The United States is not a particularly happy country, according to the World Happiness Report. Issued annually by the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, the report puts the USA in 18th place, just above the United Kingdom and surpassed by all the Scandinavian countries, Costa Rica, Canada, and Australia, among others. The rankings are based on measures of income, healthy life expectancy, social support, freedom, trust, and generosity. But at least the residents of Boulder, CO, aren’t feeling blue — and the mayor will explain why. Her city earned top ranking on the National Geographic Happiest Cities list, which examines civic engagement, walkability, and healthful food options.